Three Peaks: Apatite & Hematite Rockhounding in Iron County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Three Peaks is a mapped rockhounding spot in Iron County, Utah. Reported finds include apatite, hematite, lodestone, magnetite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Iron County
State: Utah
Coordinates: 37.78259, -113.37490

Geology at Three Peaks

This spot sits on ground mapped as Condor Canyon Formation that formed roughly 66 to 3 million years ago. Fresh exposures, cuts, and drainages are typically the most productive places to look on ground like this.

Mapped unit: Condor Canyon Formation
Age: 66–3 Ma (Tertiary)
Elevation: 5,910 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Three Peaks

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 90°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 11°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ENTERPRISE BERYL JCT station (15 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

BLM Utah — Rockhounding overview
Utah Geological Survey — collecting guidelines
SITLA — surface use rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Three Peaks

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Three Peaks.

Across the state line from Three Peaks

Three Peaks is close enough to the Utah border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Three Peaks FAQ

Where is Three Peaks?+

Three Peaks is in Iron County, Utah, at 37.78259, -113.37490.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Three Peaks?+

Three Peaks is reported to produce Apatite, Hematite, Lodestone, Magnetite.

Is collecting allowed at Three Peaks?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Three Peaks?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Three Peaks?+

The most comfortable months at Three Peaks are February to November.

How do I get to Three Peaks?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.78259, -113.37490 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Utah

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Open Three Peaks on the map

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